Top Biz News

Brands contribute to competitiveness

By Shangguan Zhoudong (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-09-08 13:56

Tao Ying, vice chief engineer of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd, China's second largest ship manufacturer, said Waigaoqiao has its own technology center and recruited more science and technology staff and paid more attention on new ships research and development and technology infrastructures.

Tao Ying, vice chief engineer of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd. [chinadaily.com.cn]

Waigaoqiao also focused on environmentally friendly ships, the company's first 175,000-ton level Cape-size bulk cargo carrier was welcomed by foreign customers, laying a good foundation for entering international ship markets.

According to Tao, the company also set up a modern production system and encouraged innovation to improve its brand awareness.

The Shanghai-based ship maker has delivered 34 ships ahead of schedule since 2003, benefiting customers and improving its brand reputation and credit standing. It also pays more attention to brand culture and after-sale services.

Currently, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd rank fifth and tenth all over the world in terms of ship orders they have.

According to Zhangji, vice director general of the Electromechanical and Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Commerce, China exported over 7.5 million dead weight tons (DWT) of ships last year.

China's shipbuilding industry recorded rapid development in recent years. In 2005, China produced 12.12 million DWTs of ships and received 16.99 million DWTs ship orders and has 39.69 million DWTs tons of ship orders so far, accounting for 17, 23 and 18 percent respectively of the world's total amount, according to Yu Shichun, vice chairman of CANSI.

Yu also said China's shipbuilding industry faced some problems and challenges and still lagged behind other ship manufacturers in developed countries such as Japan and South Korea.

The forum was organized by the Electromechanical and Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Dalian Commerce Bureau and CANSI.

Senior executives of other Chinese leading ship and ship parts manufacturers such as China Changjiang National Shipping (Group) Corp's Jinling Shipyard, Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co Ltd, Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd and Asian Star Anchor Chain Co Ltd attended the forum.